Neighborhood by Neighborhood
The boroughs of New York City offer well-known greats and little-known gems. In Queens, Astoria’s melting pot offers authentic Greek cuisine and microbreweries and beer gardens such as the 100-year-old Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. The Museum of the Moving Image features the art, technique and history of film, television and digital media. In 2015, the museum will debut a new Jim Henson gallery of nearly 400 puppets, props and costumes donated by The Jim Henson Company and Henson’s family.
“New York City’s cultural offerings continue to expand complimented by a number of ‘hidden gem’ institutions across the five boroughs,” said Heywood. “Many visitors are familiar with our major museums, but terrific attractions in the city’s neighborhoods, such as the Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island and the Queens Museum of Art, are often overlooked.”
Harlem has long been synonymous with African-American culture, and the Harlem Renaissance nurtured innovators whose legacies live on today. The crown jewel of Harlem’s music scene remains the Apollo Theater where the Jackson 5, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown first performed. Most Wednesdays, Amateur Night showcases new artists from all backgrounds. The National Jazz Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, hosts performances as well as discussions with artists and critics related to the genre. Evening entertainment also abounds. Minton’s, a jazz supper club, was originally established in 1938. The Showmans Jazz Club features performances by jazz and blues veterans, and the Cotton Club’s 13-piece combo entertains with swing and jazz tunes.
“Every month we spotlight a different neighborhood on our website with itinerary suggestions and videos that bring to life that particular community through the eyes of locals who live there,” said Heywood.
